The news spread quickly, faster than Benny could have ever anticipated. It was just supposed to be a simple sparring match—two former classmates, now young heroes, going head-to-head to see how much they had progressed. But this was the kind of spectacle that the world couldn't ignore. Flag-bearers weren't just kids anymore; they were symbols. Icons. The public had followed their every move since the day they became legends. Now, Benny and Frank were about to face off, and that was more than just a fight. It was an event.
Media outlets from across the country flooded into Highsmith Academy, capturing every moment. TV networks, newspapers, blogs—all clamoring for an interview, a glimpse into the minds of the heroes who had once been the hope of the nation. News outlets speculated wildly on who would win, discussing the most minute details of Benny and Frank's powers. The battle arena at Highsmith was packed. The press had set up cameras, fans had gathered in droves, and for the first time in a long while, the academy grounds felt alive with the energy of the people who had once believed in them.
But for Benny, this wasn't about the spectacle. It wasn't about the crowds, or the flashing lights, or the endless questions from reporters. He hadn't asked for any of this attention.
This duel with Frank, however, felt necessary. It was more than just proving their strength; it was a chance for Benny to finally measure how far he had come. And as he stood in the locker room, preparing for the fight, that focus sharpened like a blade. The noise from the arena outside couldn't break through the wall of concentration he had built around himself. All he could think about was the fight.
He wasn't the same Benny who had hesitated in the past. He wasn't the scared kid who doubted his own abilities.
He was a hero now. A D-tier hero, soon to be a C-tier. Soon to be someone the world would recognize, someone who wouldn't back down. Someone who wouldn't hesitate.
In the opposing locker room, Frank was doing the same. Benny could hear the muffled sounds of his former teammate moving, adjusting his gear, psyching himself up for the battle ahead. They were both so different now, Benny thought. Frank wasn't the same loud, brash guy from the past. The steel that clung to him like a second skin had evolved into something more precise, more dangerous. He wasn't just relying on brute strength anymore. Benny had seen the way Frank fought during training sessions. He was tactical now. He had grown. But so had Benny.
In a way, Benny couldn't wait to see what Frank had become.
After what felt like an eternity, the door to the locker room opened, and a trainer poked his head inside.
"Five minutes until the duel," he said.
Benny nodded, stepping forward and grabbing his gear. The weight of it felt familiar, but this time, it wasn't heavy with doubt. It felt like armor. His armor. It felt like the beginning of something new. He wasn't going to let the pressure get to him. He had put in the work. This was just the next step.
Stepping out of the locker room and into the arena, Benny was immediately hit by the bright lights and the roar of the crowd. The arena was packed to the brim with fans, students, and spectators eager to see what was next for the flag-bearers. They chanted his name, their voices echoing through the stands, but Benny barely registered the noise. His focus was on one thing: the fight.
Across the arena, Frank stood under the spotlight, his figure cutting a striking figure against the backdrop of the crowd. He was calm, composed, his steel-clad body gleaming under the lights. Benny could see the subtle shift in Frank's posture, the way he was readying himself for the battle. They had both come a long way.
"Ready when you are," Benny said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through his veins.
Frank gave a small nod, his eyes narrowing slightly as he surveyed his opponent. "Don't hold back."
The announcer, a voice booming over the speakers, called for the duel to begin.
The crowd fell into a sudden hush.
For a moment, Benny and Frank stood there, sizing each other up. It wasn't the same as before, when they had been reckless, overly confident, and uncertain of their abilities. This time, Benny felt it—he was in control. Frank didn't stand a chance if Benny could keep his focus.
And then it happened. Frank moved first, a blur of steel and speed. Benny barely had time to react as Frank launched himself forward, his metallic fists aimed directly at Benny's chest. The impact was powerful enough to shake the ground beneath Benny's feet, but he had prepared for this. He ducked and sidestepped at the last second, narrowly avoiding Frank's crushing punch.
Frank followed with a series of rapid jabs, his arms a blur of movement as he tried to land a blow. Benny blocked and dodged with every ounce of energy he had. Frank's attacks were heavy and precise, but Benny was quicker now. The speed he had worked so hard to perfect in training had paid off. He countered with a sharp punch to Frank's side, but Frank was quick to block it, shifting his weight and pivoting out of Benny's reach.
The fight continued like this, a dance of power and speed. Benny moved fluidly, relying on his agility and control, while Frank's strength and steel-like durability made him an unyielding opponent. For a while, they were evenly matched—each blow was met with a parry, each strike a test of their strength and endurance. Benny could see the frustration in Frank's eyes. He was struggling to land a decisive blow.
But Benny wasn't struggling. He was thriving.
A few minutes into the duel, Benny caught Frank off guard with a swift kick to the side. Frank staggered, giving Benny the opening he needed. He lunged forward, fist aimed at Frank's midsection, but Frank anticipated the move, sidestepping at the last second. Benny barely managed to stop his punch in time to avoid crashing into the ground.
"You've gotten faster," Frank grunted, his voice full of admiration. "I can't deny it."
Benny grinned. "Thanks. But it's not enough."
For the next few minutes, the two of them went back and forth. The crowd watched in awe as they traded blows and dodged attacks, their powers and skills on full display. The battle between Benny and Frank was more than just a fight—it was a testament to how far they had both come. The crowd, once unsure of who would come out on top, now knew one thing for certain: these two were destined for greatness.
As Benny dodged another one of Frank's powerful blows, his mind was clear. He was ready. He wasn't afraid. He had nothing left to prove except to himself. But he knew—if anyone had made it this far, if anyone had pushed him to his limit, it was Frank. They were more than just friends. They were equals. And this fight, no matter the outcome, would prove that.
But there was one thing Benny was sure of as he met Frank's gaze across the arena—he wasn't going to back down.
Not now. Not ever.